Deke Bellavia

Bobby: Saints defense "kicked butt" today

by Deke Bellavia,posted Aug 13 2014 12:21PM

For the last 21 days, the New Orleans Saints have been preparing for the 2014 NFL season at the Greenbrier in West Virginia, and today the Black and Gold held their final practice at the Advocare Facility.

"This was the third straight practice that the Saints went live against each other," said a spirited Cajun Cannon. The Saints offense squared off against the Black and Gold defense in 10 plays on the goal line.

The Saints defense crushed the offense. "For sure the defense won eight of the 10 plays. But I think the defense won nine times," Bobby said. The defense had four tackles for a loss on the 10 plays. RB Khiry Robinson did score on a two yard run, and RB Travaris Cadet got close to the goal line, but there was a dispute between the offense and defense if Cadet broke the plane.

"The defense has done well the last few practices. They were jacked up out there today and you could hear them talking to the offense." Bobby also gave safety Kenny Vaccaro high marks today, as the second year star was very active this morning. Vaccaro broke up a pass on TE Jimmy Graham and also picked up a sack.

DE Cam Jordan recorded a sack this morning too, as did LB Khiry Fort. LB Rufus Johnson had a nice tackle for a loss on RB Pierre Thomas and DB Rafael Bush intercepted a tip pass off fellow defender Ramon Humber.

Offensive highlights included another big showing from rookie WR Brandin Cooks. Cooks hauled in a 50 yard strike from QB Luke McCown and the prized rookie had a 40 yard TD reception from QB Logan Kilgore.

Bobby said the kicking battle could go down to the wire as both kickers have been inconsistent this camp. Veteran Shayne Graham missed a 40 yard attempt this morning but then made two at 48 and 55 yards. Derek Dimke made his 40 yard attempt but then missed the two longer attempts. Bobby says "I think this battle is wide open and it could go down to the last preseason game to see who will be the Saints kicker this season."

The Saints got a lot of work done in West Virginia, and Hebert thinks the Saints may be at the Greenbrier for quite a while. "I think that the Saints may practice up here long term. I know it's currently a three year deal, but the weather was great and the facilities are nice. I could see training camp being up here for a while."

The team will return home tomorrow and take on the Tennessee Titans friday night at 7pm in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Be sure and listen to the Cajun Cannon Bobby Hebert give a full breakdown of the Saints final practice in West Virginia today on Sports Talk.